TWO PORTRAITS OF WORKERS AT PITTSBURGH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT BY KOREY EDMONSON: FROM LEFT, SHELLY SNYDER, CUSTOMER SERVICE REPRESENTATIVE, AND SHACARA KUCZMA, DIRECTOR OF HR BUSINESS PROCESSES. | COURTESY BLUE SKY NEWS/ PITTSBURGH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Pittsburgh International Airport’s artist-in-residence, Korey Edmonson, has unveiled a portraiture series of eight Black women who have worked at the airport, which he said aims to share their stories of strength.

The title of the series – “Feeling Good” – comes from the Nina Simone song of the same name, which inspired Edmonson. He said Simone’s ability to find joy in things around her in spite of hardship was a core idea behind the creation of the portraits. 

The portraits are on display near the Allegiant Air ticket desk on the Landside Terminal’s third floor. 

ARTIST-IN-RESIDENCE KOREY EDMONSON WITH THE WOMEN EMPLOYEES AND THEIR PORTRAITS | COURTESY BLUE SKY NEWS/ PITTSBURGH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

After answering a call for art from airport officials, Edmonson was connected with several women who work at the airport who wanted to participate in the project. 

“I wanted to paint people who I know,” he said. 

As Edmonson got to know the women personally, he took their stories and wove them into the artwork. 

“I found this connection in that there’s not necessarily words to put on that specific thing, but it’s more like a feeling. And art is more of a feeling,” Edmonson said at a ceremony Monday where the portraits were presented. “I believe that connection right there allowed me to move forward.”

PITTSBURGH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT EMPLOYEE APRIL LAUKAITIS WITH HER PORTRAIT | COURTESY BLUE SKY NEWS/ PITTSBURGH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

The project was a year-long process, but meeting the women “catapulted into what we have today in this event and sharing their faces,” he said.  

Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato, who attended a ceremony Monday on the unveiling of the portraits, stressed the importance of inclusivity and building an Allegheny County that works for everyone. 

“It’s not just about the imagery, but the story the pictures tell,” she said.

Originally from Hazelwood, Edmonson graduated from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh with a degree in graphic design in 2015. He’s since shifted to more traditional art forms, learning from books and online classes. His residence at the airport began on Dec. 16, 2022 and ends March 31, 2024.

“Feeling Good” will be on display throughout March. Edmonson is also preparing for the Three Rivers Arts Festival in June and teaches at the Father Ryan Arts Center in McKees Rocks.